March 16, 2020
Parents/Guardians:
The following is a written recap of my automated telephone call to you on Monday, March 16, at approximately 8:30 AM, concerning the closure of school due to COVID-19 and our efforts to ensure learning continues and essential services remain available.
Importance of School Closure – Everyone Plays a Role
Public schools in Oneida County are closed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. It is important that everyone takes the closure of school seriously – we all play a role in preventing the spread of the virus. If we treat the closure of school as a vacation or snow day, we are defeating the purpose of the closure. Remember to take these simple steps:
· Practice social distancing.
· If you are not feeling well, stay home. If you think you require medical attention, contact your doctor first before going to your doctor’s office, urgent care or the emergency room, as you could potentially infect others.
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer.
Learning Expectations
It is my expectation that during the closure of school, staff will be working from home and students will be learning from home. In addition to instruction that is already occurring between students and teachers, by the end of today, there will be a special “online learning” section on the school website with more information and resources. Check this section frequently for updates. We are working hard to make instruction and discussions between students and teachers as interactive as possible. Since this is a “new” way of learning, I kindly ask for your patience as we work through some kinks and make adjustments.
Once “live,” the “online learning” section on the school website can be accessed by going to the district homepage -> departments -> online learning. There will also be a large banner on the district homepage directly linked to the “online learning” section.
For assistance with any technology-related issues, please email techsupport@westmorelandschool.org.
Breakfast and Lunch
The district will begin offering bagged meals to currently enrolled students, including Pre-K students, on Tuesday, March 17. Bagged meals will include lunch and the next day’s breakfast.
Distribution will occur Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the back entrance of the Primary Elementary School cafeteria – pick-up only. Meals can be picked up by students or parents. You may take more than one meal, especially if you are picking up meals for others.
If you cannot make it to the pick-up site on a daily basis, the district will deliver meals to your home. To sign up for delivery, please call (315) 557-2614 or (315) 557-2658 or email jwatson@westmorelandschool.org or mhawkins@westmorelandschool.org by the end of today, March 16.
Importantly – if meals are being delivered to your home and someone in your household is either ill or in self-quarantine, please place a note on your door stating so. In such an event, and in order to protect the health of all, meals will be placed in front of the entrance to your home.
Second Phone Call
I will be sending another automated call to parents/guardians at some point this afternoon. In the meantime, district offices are staffed today, so do not hesitate to call me or another administrator should you need assistance.
To our students – remember, school is still in session. It is important that you keep as normal of a schedule as possible, as if you were physically in school.
Please stay healthy.
Rocco Migliori
Superintendent of Schools